AND it must be observed, that whenever popular Clamours prevailed so far, as to procure some Release for the _Sick_, this was remarkably followed with an Abatement of the Disease. The _Plague_ in the Year 1636 began with great Violence; but leave being given by the King's Authority for People to quit their Houses, it was observed, That _not one in twenty of the well Persons removed fell sick, nor one in ten of the Sick died_[78]. Which single Instance alone, had there been no other, should have been of Weight ever after to have determined the Magistracy against too strict Confinements. But besides this, a preceding _Plague_, _viz._ in the Year 1625, affords us another Instance of a very remarkable Decrease upon the discontinuing to _shut up_ Houses. It was indeed so late in the Year, before this was done, that the near Approach of Winter was doubtless one Reason for the Diminution of the Disease, which followed: Yet this was so very great, that it is at least past dispute, that the Liberty then permitted was no Impediment to it. For this _opening_ of the Houses was allowed of in the beginning of _September_: and whereas the last Week in _August_, there died no less than four thousand two hundred and eighteen, the very next Week the _Burials_ were diminished to three thousand three hundred and forty four; and in no longer time than to the fourth Week after, to eight hundred and fifty two[79]. SINCE therefore the Management in former Times neither answers the Purpose of _discovering the Beginning_ of the _Infection_, nor of putting a stop to it when _discovered_, other Measures are certainly to be taken; which, I think, should be of this Nature. THERE ought, in the first Place, _a Council of Health_ to be established, consisting of some of the principal Officers of State, both Ecclesiastical and Civil, some of the chief Magistrates of the City, two or three Physicians, _&c._ And this _Council_ should be intrusted with such Powers, as might enable them to see all their Orders executed with impartial Justice, and that no unnecessary Hardships, under any Pretence whatever, be put upon any by the Officers they employ.